Last week, I started a new routine in my life: caring for my 4-month-old granddaughter Annie while her parents, both teachers, are back in the classroom.
My daughter is job sharing, so she only teaches Thursday, Friday, and every other Wednesday. It’s taking a little adjusting to figure out how to get more done on Monday and Tuesday, so that the rest of my week can lighten up. For example, I didn’t get my blog post up last Friday. I’m working on those dropped details!
But here’s what I love about this gig:
Getting to know Annie in a day-to-day way.
Already, I feel as if I know her much better than I did. Little things, like what sounds mean what mood or when she’s getting hungry. Or how much she loves being outdoors. Last Thursday, out of the blue, she started blowing raspberries. No idea why…but oh-so funny.
Slowing down. Caring for a little one requires it! And that’s a good thing for me.
Modeling how family supports each other, even if it’s not always convenient.
And here’s the best thing of all: Annie knows me, too! Her big smile when I arrive to pick her up is heart-melting.
What about you? Have you provided on-going or extended care for grandchildren? Any tips or perspective to share?
Just cherish every moment. Rock, hold, play for when they begin school, your arms will feel so empty. Even though my house did not get super cleaned during the most of our 4 yr old’s life, it was worth every bit. I must admit I cried Monday when our sweet girl began Pre-k. Just love your pretty little one. Everything else will fall into place. By the way, I love how your daughter can share in her teaching position. Awesome.
Virginia, I remember when my children started school. It’s such a big change! I watched the clock all morning. Hoping your little girl is enjoying this new chapter in her life! Thanks for sharing your life with me. ~Suzanne
Enjoy the moments because they are fleeting! You’ll find time to write, etc., and you’ll never have regrets!
So true, Loretta Moore! Time is a fast moving river. And not having regrets…that’s the best way to make choices about how to spend the time God has given us. ~Suzanne
Suzanne, your granddaughter is adorable! Our two youngest grandchildren, ages 3 & 6, & our youngest daughter live with us, she is a single mom so I help take care of them when she works. We have a crazy schedule, my daughter works retail so her schedule is different every week, including rotating weekends. I work in the public school system here so I’m Mon. thru Fri., my grandson goes to school where I work which is very convenient. My granddaughter goes to daycare & on days my daughter works evenings I pick her up after I get out of school & keep them until she gets home. We have toys scattered all over the house, I try not to stress about that lol & I’m worn out but I know they’re being taken care of & loved & that’s what’s important. Hopefully, someday soon they will be able to have their own home, they’ve lived with us almost two years now, very soon I hope, lol! She works hard to make sure they’re taken care of & have what they need, we as parents do whatever we need to do to take care of our children & grandchildren. Enjoy your sweet girl!
Oh Connie, you have quite a lot on your plate! So grateful you can be there to help your daughter, as well as be a safe haven for your grandchildren. You’re a wonderful role model! Love your attitude. XO Suzanne
Dear one, Be yourself. This is what Annie needs. You are God’s gift to her, and God’s blessing for you. My grandchildren were all far away, so l missed most of their lives. Such joy has been set before you. Blessings. Ps. Hope the stories are still coming. Need them more than ever now this part of my journey w/o my loved ones. Happy for you, Suzanne.
Hi Donna! Thank you for sharing your perspective…and for thinking about my books, too! That’s the part that’s a little tricky to juggle…but I’m glad to be a part of my grandchildren’s lives. XO Suzanne
After I retired from teaching, I began watching my ex-daughter-in-law and her new husband’s baby several days a week. We have remained close, and I offered to help them out. He just turned 3, calls me Mom-Mom and my husband Poppy just like all the rest of our grandchildren do, and is the light of my life! That regular time with a child forms a bond that lasts forever, and no matter what adjustments you have to make to your life and schedule it is well worth it!
Linda…what a story! What a wonderful, wonderful example you are giving to your family, to your friends, church, etc. Love in action! So grateful you shared it…I’ll be thinking of you all day long! Very inspiring. Warmly, Suzanne